About Interviewing and Being Interviewed

Curious minds want to know… Who does the interviewing? And what it it like to be interviewed?
Who Are Our Interviewers?
  • All of the OLOHP interviewers are lesbians old enough to be able to relate to the women being interviewed.
  • Ages of the women currently conducting interviews for the Project range from 55 to 85.
  • All the interviewers are volunteers.
  • They live all across the country. Many travel for business or pleasure and arrange interviews along the way.
  • Currently, there are more than 20 women conducting interviews.
What qualifies the women to become interviewers?
  • The OLOHP has developed an extensive set of materials to guide the interview process and have worked with others on learning how it is we want the interviews conducted.
  • Even if they aren't yet 70, almost all of the interviewers have been interviewed themselves so they'll better understand both sides of the exchange. The few who have yet to be interviewed by us have previous experience and follow our guidelines. 
When asked about being an interviewer, Gloria replied: Listening. It is such an honor to be able to hear so many of these stories. Looking at the overall experience of interviewing, what I am left with is the profound trust that women are willing to give me, to have with me, to tell me some of the most intimate experiences of their lives. That really touches me deeply.
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What do the interviewers ask?
  • The Project provides the interviewee with a list of suggested topics and questions before they are interviewed.
  • The Project also provides the same list, but with additional follow up questions, to the interviewer.
  • Both the interviewee and interviewer are encouraged to go where the conversation takes them… if they get off track, that's okay. They can come back to the list a bit later.
  • Other than providing some basic demographic information, women being interviewed are not required to tell us anything.
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Is the equipment intrusive?
  • We use two very small cordless recorders. They are set on a table or surface between the interviewer and interviewee and are so unobtrusive, they are quickly forgotten.
  • Other than the recorders, there isn't much to it. Both women may have notes, pens/pencils with them, but otherwise, it's all very comfortable.
  • Some interviewers are able to scan photos and such that same day, but that's typically addressed after the interview is completed.
What is it like to be interviewed?
  • We do our best to make the interview process as easy as possible. We keep it casual. Whenever possible, we conduct the interview in the woman's home, where she is most comfortable, sitting in her favorite chair, and surrounded by her own things, many of which evoke memories.
  • When needed, we take breaks. Pauses are a good thing… there is no need to hurry, and no pressure to move from one question to another, or to keep the story organized.
  • Interviews have been as short as 20 minutes and as long as 6 hours. They average 90-120 minutes.
  • Typically, you can figure on an extra hour or so to settle in, get the recorders going, and deal with the contracts.
And Ila shared: I have been meaning to write to let you know how good I felt about sharing my story with you. I came away feeling like a valuable human being with a body of work that belongs in the world. Every woman should feel that way. I am so proud to be part of this project. Thank you, thank you, thank you.